Cat scratchers are a must-have for cat owners who want to keep their curtains, carpets, and couches intact. These scratching solutions let your feline friends burn off energy and care for their claws without destroying your furniture.

There are many cat scratch posts to pick from with different designs, functions, and material options. The best cat scratching posts will be versatile, durable, attractive in your home, and most importantly, attractive to your cat.

In this comprehensive cat scratching post guide, we will go over some of the absolute best cat scratcher products for cats of all kinds.

We’ve also included a buyer’s guide section with information and tips to help you select and set up your cat scratching post successfully in your home.

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1. SmartCat Ultimate Heavy-Duty Sisal Cat Scratch Post (Top Pick)

The SmartCat scratching post is our top pick because it’s durable, stylish, aesthetically appealing, and a great option for cats and cat owners alike.

Measuring 81cm tall, it’s large enough for adult cats of any size and weight. With a slender column design and a minimalistic profile, it can go almost anywhere in your home.

If you have been searching for an attractive scratching post that’s utility-friendly and crafted with a durable high-quality design, this is the perfect option.

While this post is a bit more expensive than some other similar cat scratchers, it makes up for it in durability, utility, and quality.

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2. Bono Fido Cat Scratcher Morris Inn 2

If you’ve been looking for a great scratcher that doubles as an entertainment depot, the Bono Fido scratcher may just be the best option for you.

This high-quality modern scratcher has two perches, a cylindrical hideaway, and is covered with soft and durable synthetic carpet.

This is the kind of scratcher that will last your cats a lifetime. Cats love the crescent-shaped perch on top, where they can have a nap or sit surveying their surroundings.

On the downside, this scratching post takes up a lot of space. So, if you’re looking for something small and subtle, this may not be the best option for you.

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3. Sofa-Scratcher’ Cat Scratching Post & Couch Protector

Has your cat been scratching the arms of your sofa and driving you up the wall? This contoured sisal sofa arm cat scratcher might just be your saving grace.

With thick woven sisal fibres and contoured design elements, the Sofa-Scratcher’ Cat Scratching Post is durable and effective.

It can be positioned to protect your couch from new scratches or hide pre-existing scratch damage.

Designed to fit against the edge of your couch, this ingenious scratcher gives your cat an amazing way to let off steam without steaming you up.

It comes in various colours, so it easily matches your furniture and fits in with colour-scheme preferences.

The only downside is that on some surfaces (especially padded and plush carpets) it gets a bit off balance and will angle downward slightly.

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4. Minx Infinity Deluxe Cat Scratcher Lounging Bed

This designer cat scratcher has been engineered to provide your cat with a multi-faced scratching and napping solution.

It has a unique infinity symbol shape that offers your cats great scratch angles while also doubling as a lounge where they can stretch out and have a nap. If you want something simple, effective, and fun for your cat, this is a good option to consider.

Made with a layered cardboard scratch surface, the Minx Infinity Cat Scratcher can be flipped over and used on both sides. It’s also lightweight, requires no assembly, and easy to move and store.

With that being said, this is a disposable scratcher that will need to be replaced when your cat has used both surface sides extensively. If you want something that will last your cat years, this may not be the best option.

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5. Catit Scratcher Urban Bench

Have you been searching for an inexpensive cat scratcher that looks good, functions well, and can be tossed out when your cat is finished with it? If so, the Catit Scratcher Urban Bench might be perfect for you.

Made with layers of textured cardboard, this bench-shaped scratcher gives your cats a place to scratch, play, perch, and nap. It’s also a great value, so you won’t break the bank buying it.

While this is a disposable option that won’t last forever, it’s a great solution for cat owners who want a multi-functional cardboard scratcher with a cute design.

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6. Snooza Large Cat Scratching Pole

This tall and simple cat scratching post is a great no-nonsense option for owners who want a stable and reliable cat scratcher. It comes in two different sizes and will fit in just about any home or pet room.

It has a cute paw print design and a tall narrow scratch surface. It’s great for cats who seem to enjoy scratching trees or drapes. On the downside, it comes in only one design style, so if you don’t like the paw prints, you’re out of luck.

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7. Modern Pets Wall Mounted Cat Scratch Post

This is a minimalist and simple cat scratcher that can be hung essentially anywhere. It’s lightweight, made of cardboard, and comes with adhesive hooks for your convenience.

If your cat has been clawing curtains, walls, or simply needs a cat scratcher that won’t take up floor space, it’s an awesome option.

With that being said, if you want a long-term solution that can be used year after year, this isn’t the best option.

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8. Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher With Catnip

Anyone who’s been looking for a scratcher that’s guaranteed to attract cats will enjoy the fun wedge-shaped design of the KONG Naturals Incline Scratcher.

This triangularly-shaped scratcher is made of cardboard and angled for easier scratching access. It’s great for cats and kittens.

As a bonus, this scratcher comes with catnip to attract adult cats for hours of fun. It also comes at a great price.

On the downside, this scratcher won’t last forever, and if you’ve been looking for something aesthetically appealing, it may not be the best choice.

Also, keep in mind that catnip usually won’t work for kittens, so you’ll want to save the nip until they’re grown.

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9. i.Pet Cat Scratching Post

A great value for money option, this scratching post doubles as a piece of cat furniture. It has a stable base and useful perch at the top that cats love.

It won’t take up too much space in your home but is still large enough that your cat will notice it and want to start scratching.

This impressive cat tower is tall enough for any cat to make use of. It looks great and is extremely durable, designed to last for years.

So, if you’ve been looking for a permanent cat post that comes at a great price and will go well with your living room decor, this may just be the best scratching post for you.

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cat scratcher Post Buyer’s Guide

Now that you’ve seen some great cat scratching posts, here’s a buying guide to help you understand why your cat needs a scratching post and which option will be the best fit for your cat’s needs.

Different Kinds of Cat Scratching Posts

Scratching posts come in many shapes and sizes. You can choose from decorative scratchers, door hanging variants, and much more.

Cat scratchers are mainly differentiated by their size, shape, and scratching surface material type. Apart from your own size and shape preferences, the scratching surface material type will be what matters most to your cat.

Sisal

Sisal is a safe and all-natural durable rope fibre that comes from the agave plant. Sisal rope and woven sisal are great for cats who scratch intensely.

Natural sisal has a long life and provides a great scratching post surface that lets cats exude energy and care for their claws.

Sisal rope scratchers are a great option for owners who want their cats to get a lot of use from their scratching post. However, sisal fibres do tend to shed a bit, so keep this in mind.

Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated cardboard is an inexpensive material option that lets your cats get plenty of scratch action.

On the downside, this material tends to wear out quickly, can make a bit of a mess, and will eventually need to be replaced. Additionally, some cats won’t use corrugated cardboard scratchers.

On the other hand, you can safely add catnip to a corrugated scratcher and turn the regular cardboard into a cat scratching wonderland.

Carpet and Synthetic Fibers

Many cats enjoy the feeling of carpeted or synthetic fibre scratching posts. These are durable materials with a long lifespan.

On the downside, some owners fear that encouraging their cat to scratch on a carpet scratching post will lead to their cat scratching the other carpet materials nearby, namely the carpets on your floor.

Additionally, some kinds of loop carpet posts cause nail snags in cats.

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Why do cats need a cat scratcher post?

It’s no secret that cats like to scratch. Even though cats have been domesticated making them well-suited for life inside of your home, they still have unique needs. Cats need to scratch, and you need to protect your couches and carpets.

Cat scratchers are a great solution for both of you. Understanding why your cat needs something to dig their claws into can help you select a better scratcher for your feline friend.

Territorial Marking

First of all, cats scratch as a way to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands in their paws that go unnoticed by humans, but not by other cats.

They scratch to leave a visual mark and a scent signature that lets other cats know things like “this is mine”, “I have been here”.

When cats live with other feline housemates or happen to pick up on the smell of other cats nearby, their need to scratch may be higher than usual.

So, if your neighbours have cats too, there’s a good chance that your cat will be more vigilant about scratching things.

Claw Health

Secondly, cats scratch because it’s good for their claws.

Have you ever noticed that cat nails don’t need to be clipped like dog nails or human nails? This is because cats grow an outer layer that makes around each claw.

This shell layer needs to be removed often as their claws grow and sharpen.

Cats scratch things to remove this dead keratin layer. As cats scratch and flex their paws, the outer shell sheds. Claw shedding keeps your cat’s retractable nails sharp, healthy, clean, and more comfortable near the cuticle.

Stress Relief

Finally, scratching lets cats relieve stress or excitement. Cats scratch when they are happy, frustrated, or feeling energetic.

Tips for Cat Scratching Post Success

Some owners find that their cats refuse to use the scratchers they buy them. This may have less to do with the post, and more to do with the cat’s understanding of its purpose.

Cats tend to scratch in the same places over and over again. If this place happens to be the arm of your new sofa, something has to be done.

Tip 1: Placement Matters

It’s a good idea to put your scratching post somewhere that your cat wants to scratch.

Many owners make the mistake of placing their scratching post off in a corner or spare bedroom.

If you’re trying to encourage your cat to use a new scratcher, place it out in the open or near a place where your cat is already sharpening their claws.

Tip 2: Use Catnip

Cats love catnip. Catnip has a special essence in it called nepetalactone. Nepetalactone stimulates their scent receptors and increases sensory intensity.

Tip 3: Buy Multiple Scratchers

You may also want to consider having a cat scratcher in more than one room. That way, whenever kitty gets the urge to scratch, they will have appropriate options available.

Tip 4: Protect Furniture With a Deterrent Spray

Finally, you may want to use a deterrent spray on your couch, drapes, and carpet.